The Upper Bucks Foodie was back on October 6th. The festival of deliciousness had not on the menu since 2019 due to the pandemic.

People filled the showroom at Sands Chrysler Jeep, Dodge, Ram in Quakertown on Oct. 6 for the Upper Bucks Foodie, hosted by the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce.  Over 20 vendors from the food industry served samples of their best food and drink.

            This year, it made a comeback with great local restaurants, distilleries and wineries. The event took place at Sands dealership in Quakertown. Penn Community Bank Sponsored the event and the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce was host to the Foodie gathering.   

Olivia Linke, far right, a student in culinary arts at the  Upper Bucks County Technical School, serves a sample to a guest.

            Over 20 vendors from the food industry brought their best food and drink to the event.  Visitors could mingle and nibble on tasty bites as they sipped good drinks.

            The Jamison restaurant had samples of risotto balls, and The Brick Tavern Inn provided delectable deviled eggs topped with pork. Raw Replenish Quakertown made hummus and beet hummus packed in filo dough.

            For those who desired a touch of the Deutsch, the Boova Haus was offering their chicken "bot-boi" (pot-pie) soup to warm you up.

            If you craved bites to go along with wine from Boyd's Cardinal Hollow Winery, Giacomo's Italian Market offered an assortment of divine olives and cheese.

Donald Mensch and Jason VanDyke, from the Bovva  Haus, served chicken pot pie soup and chile.

            For sweet treats, Jaquelyn's Sweet Shop and Amy's Creative Cakes pleased the senses with every mouth-watering delight of decadent dessert.

            As for fine spirits and local brews, visitors had choices! Sage Alley Brewery and Grille supplied a seasonal ale to sample. Millestone Spirits and Faber Distillery had a delightful concoction to sample. If you wanted to try something a little stronger, they also had American Scotch and Whiskey.

            The event supports free-market business leaders from the community through Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. PFEW is a program of the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education.

            Through this program, the foundation provides an intensive week that educates high school students about free enterprise in the United States. Industrious high school students are introduced to business people throughout Pennsylvania. In a span of 34 years, the unique learning concept has broadened the minds and lives of over 31,000 young adults.

            During the interactive, intensive week, students learn about the free market

Giacomo;s Italian Marken offered an assortment of  vegetable, fruits, crackers and cheese.

system as well as what it takes to be successful in an ever-changing competitive global marketplace. Students create simulated companies for a three-year period. During this time, they make important executive decisions and are mentored by dedicated and knowledgeable business volunteers.

            This real-life education experience includes motivational speakers, interactive learning exercises, and the development of leadership skills.

            The Upper Bucks Foodie event is the perfect event to support this cause. The restaurant and hospitality industry is fast-paced and challenging.

            Danielle Bodnar, Executive Director of the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, shared great insight and gratitude for the event. "The Upper Bucks Chamber was thrilled to bring the Foodie back after a two-year hiatus. In its 15th year, Foodie is a unique event highlighting and showcasing the best of our region's food and beverage businesses.

            "We also knew that having student scholarships would be a great way to inspire and give back. We genuinely love this event because it aligns with the Chamber's mission of nurturing tomorrow's community leaders and educating local students on the principles of free enterprise. It would not be possible without our committee members, sponsors and partners," Bodnar said.

            Whatever your taste preference for drink or food might be, the event had you covered. You definitely left the event with a full belly and a smile. All the while supporting a great education and community program.